I am sitting at the airport and its very possible that a number of people think I am out of my mind with my giraffe print luggage and venti-sized white chocolate mocha because I have the biggest possible smile on my face. I have never been so overjoyed to be at the airport. I arrived at LAX this morning approximately five hours before my flight was scheduled to leave. Why so early? Let’s just put it this way… I didn’t sleep a wink last night and literally sat on my bed watching the minutes tick by. I got on the earliest bus I could. The airport feels closer to home, and most importantly there is a Starbucks at my terminal. I didn’t realize my dependency on coffee until spending nearly a month in LA where, unlike Seattle, there is NOT a Starbucks on every street corner. Not that we spent time on any street corners here, because we didn’t.
Blogging about my experience is very difficult, because I am under contract not to disclose any information about the show. I can say, however, that I feel like I walked away with very valuable life experience that prepared me in many ways for my future and for Miss America. It is so funny to me how life throws challenges at you, that at the time make no sense at all, but in the end always have a purpose. I made some truly wonderful friends and can say with all honesty that as happy as I am to be going home, I am very sad to be parting ways with these incredible women.
Although I cannot disclose anything about the experience filming the reality show, I CAN tell you about the activities we were able to participate in on our off days. We had several appearances, from a Warner Brothers Studio Tour and appearance on the Ellen Degeneres Show, the KTLA Morning Show, a visit to the Los Angeles Zoo, a media appearance with a fellow CMN supporter - IHOP, a Los Angeles Angels Baseball game, a visit to Children’s Hospital, and even an afternoon of shopping at the second largest mall in the country, South Coast Plaza.
My favorite appearance was most definitely visiting the Children’s Hospital and spending a day connecting with some of the children and teenagers served in LA. My involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and my aspirations to teach are a result of a love for children, and I cannot tell you what a refresher it was to be surrounded by kids once again.
I would really like to say thank you to all of the people who sent their words of support and encouragement while I was away. It meant so much to hear from each and every one of you. One thing I learned on this trip was how blessed I am to come from a state that I love, a supportive state program, and to have a solid support-base of friends and family. I feel so fortunate.
Believe it or not, Miss America is only about three months away - I am counting down the days! In the meantime, I am working very hard to prepare myself in every way possible and to learn everything I can along the way. The following is a quote that was given to me in a card just before I left for the show, and they were the perfect words to keep in mind during that experience, and always.
“Do not pray for an easy life… pray to be a stronger woman. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers, but for powers equal to your tasks… then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle.”
And….. pictures from off days!
At one of many delicious meals
Backstage at the Ellen Show